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Bioproduct Production

Value-Added Biomass Products

The Team:John Hu (lead), Stephen Chmely, Dan Ciolkosz, Bingyun Li, and Jingxin Wang.

Value-Added Biomass Products aims to develop and optimize bio product conversion processes through collaborations with industry partners. Dive into the world of innovative conversion processing and its role in enhancing the utilization of biomass for high-value chemicals and bio-chemicals. Join us on the journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

1. Lignin-Based Porous Biomaterials for Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Lignin-based porous biomaterials have the addition of lignin obtained from lignocellulosic biomass. In this article, an overview of the current status and future potential of lignin-based porous materials for medical and pharmaceutical uses, focusing on material types, key properties, approaches and techniques of modification and fabrication, and promising medical applications is provided.

Lignin-Based Porous Biomaterials for Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications  

2. Unraveling the Role of Glycine in K2CO3 Solvent for CO2 Removal.

This study determined the role of Gly and the CO2 absorption mechanisms of mixed solvents of K2CO3and Gly and assessed the effect of Gly on CO2 absorption properties and the formation of solid KHCO3precipitates. The results show that the addition of Gly to K2CO3 solvents, even in small amounts, can significantly improve the CO2 absorption kinetics

Unraveling the Role of Glycine in K2CO3 Solvent for CO2 Removal  

3. Torrefied paper as a packaging material and subsequently as a bioethanol substrate:Synergy of torrefaction and alkaline treatment for increased utility.

There is potential to develop a bio-renewable system where torrefied cellulosic paper withincreased wet strength can be repeatedly used as packaging material. Subsequently, it can behydrolyzed downstream for bioethanol production after alkaline treatment, contributing to acircular and sustainable economy. This study demonstrates that mild torrefaction could be anon-chemical technique to improve the wet tensile strength of paper while maintaining satisfactory glucose yield potential.

Torrefied paper as a packaging material Presentation  

4. Lignin oligomers from mild base-catalyzed depolymerization for potential application inaqueous soy adhesive as phenolic blends.

This article presents that lignin oligomers prepared with base-catalyzed depolymerization have great potential for use as phenolic blends to enhance the tensile shear strength of soy protein adhesive.Furthermore, the bio-adhesive is aldehyde-free and water-based, making it highly promising for interior applications and the wood products industry.

Lignin oligomers Presentation  


Task Group 3: Bioproduct Production Year 4 efforts Page 1

Task Group 3: Bioproduct Production Year 4 efforts Page 2


More Resources

Biomass Conversions, by Dr. Steven Chmely, Penn State University  

Biomass Conversion to Value-added Products by Dr. John Hu, West Virginia University  

Testing samples and BioChar